08/23/2025
As summer ends, planning for the challenges of reentry — especially for children with anxiety or learning differences — can help set the stage for a successful school year.
DO get back into the routine
Summer brings family time and new opportunities, but it can also disrupt kids* routines, making the return to school challenging.
Adjusting before the first day can help.
A few days in advance, shift bedtimes and wake-up times to match school schedules, and reintroduce morning routines like showering, eating breakfast, and getting dressed.
Shopping for school supplies early can make the transition smoother and mentally prepare them for the classroom.
DON'T forget to refuel
During vacation, parents often know what and when kids are eating and sleeping. Once school starts, routines shift, and unhealthy habits can creep in— late-night screen time, skipped meals, or poor food choices.
Many kids have long gaps between meals, leading to after-school hunger, low energy, and difficulty focusing on homework. Ensuring kids eat balanced meals and get enough sleep supports better school performance and homework efficiency.
DO talk about changing friendships
Friendships can shift over the summer, and preparing kids for changes can help them cope.
A close friend one year may be distant the next, and learning to share and overlap friendships is an important skill. Not all social problems need solving - sometimes kids just need their feelings validated.
DON'T share your anxieties
Parents are often very caught up in their children's social lives because they want them to make good friends, be happy, and learn social skills that will help them be successful adults.
But constant questions about making friends can feel shaming, especially for anxious kids. Neutral prompts like
"How was your day?" or "Tell me three things you liked" help keep the conversation open without adding pressure.
DO have a trial run
For kids with anxiety or a history of school refusal, trial visits before school starts can ease the transition.
Walking through the building, mapping out classes, and locating lockers help them feel prepared, and may reveal challenges before the first day.
DON'T be afraid of setbacks
Even if a child has made progress over the summer, returning to school can still bring ups and downs. Allowing time to adjust - and accepting setbacks - helps build confidence and resilience.
DO help kids manage their commitments
The first weeks of school can feel easy, leading kids to overcommit to activities. By mid-October, heavier workloads can cause stress, exhaustion, and falling behind.
Encouraging balance - and modeling it - helps kids manage responsibilities without becoming overwhelmed.
DON'T ignore problems
Many schools are fantastic, with talented and caring teachers and administrators, but you can't expect the school to have your insight into your child. Be your child's proactive advocate.
If you see them struggling, or you're worried about them struggling, it's better to say something sooner rather than later.
See more of our back-to-school resources:
https://childmind.org/resources/back-to-school/
